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Rebecca Welch to become Premier League's first female referee

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Rebecca Welch will become the first female referee for a Premier League fixture when she officiates Fulham's match against Burnley on 23 December.

Welch, 40, began refereeing in 2010, and in January became the first woman to referee a men's Championship game.

Sam Allison will also take charge of a top-flight match in December, making him the Premier League's first black referee for 15 years.

He will oversee Sheffield United's match against Fulham on 26 December.

Uriah Rennie - the league's last black referee - retired from officiating in English football's top four divisions in 2009.